P.M. BRIEFING : Probe of Meatpackers Asked
Minnesota Atty. Gen. Hubert H. Humphrey III today called on the Justice Department to investigate the meatpacking industry for possible antitrust violations.
He joined attorneys general in Iowa, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota in sending a letter to U.S. Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh urging tougher federal antitrust enforcement of the meatpacking industry.
The letter by the attorneys general alleges that “the meatpacking industry has drifted toward near-monopoly status during the past decade.”
It says four meatpackers control about 70% of the beef slaughter market, while four meatpackers control more than 76% of the slaughter lamb market. The letter said the hog slaughter business will become equally concentrated over the next 10 years.
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